Mayors from Surrey’s 11 boroughs and districts, together with some of Spelthorne’s most distinguished residents, filled St Peter’s Church in Staines to remember Cllr Isobel Napper

The late Cllr Isobel Napper with outgoing mayor Robin Sider, at the mayor making ceremony in May 2013

A memorial service to Spelthorne’s mayor Isobel Napper saw colleagues, family and friends pay tribute to the woman who ‘broke the mould’ in her political and personal life.

Mayors from Surrey’s 11 boroughs and districts, together with some of Spelthorne’s most distinguished residents, filled St Peter’s Church in Laleham Road for the service on Friday September 20.

The thanksgiving ceremony opened with a remembrance from Cllr Philippa Broom, who was instrumental in getting Cllr Napper elected as mayor.

Cllr Broom, who later admitted to feeling nervous ‘for the first time in a very long time’ about addressing the congregation, said: “On Thursday May 23 I proposed Isobel Napper as mayor of Spelthorne. It was the crowning achievement of a successful career.”

She said she was ‘a woman on a mission’, and spoke about her friend’s life, first as a homemaker, then as an entrepreneur, horse rider and keen golfer.

In 1999, two events were to have a dramatic impact on Cllr Napper’s life: she was elected as a councillor and she also developed breast cancer.

Cllr Broom paid tribute to the relationship between Cllr Napper and her husband Tom, who she met aged 17. She told the congregation he swept her off her feet before they married a year later, and concluded: “They broke the mould when they made you and I will so miss you.”

Friends Diana Moran and consultant breast surgeon Sunita Shrotria spoke afterwards, with Diana describing her relationship with Cllr Napper as being ‘breast friends’ and ‘bosom buddies’, having bonded as they battled cancer.

Dr Shrotria spoke of the work and fundraising Cllr Napper performed fighting to keep breast cancer treatment at Ashford Hospital while NHS chiefs sought to move the service to St Peter’s in Chertsey. More recently, in one of her final official duties as mayor, she raised funds and attended the launch for its new Jasmine suite.

Grandson George shared memories of his ‘Nan’ who, in an effort to stop fertiliser stinging his eyes when he was a toddler, dipped him headfirst into a trough of water. The eulogy from Spelthorne’s chief executive officer Roberto Tambini reflected on the numerous causes she worked hard for, before daughter Denise Saliagopoulos concluded the remembrance speeches.

She spoke of her mother’s final moments, when Tom held her in his arms and said: “Don’t worry. One day I will come looking for you.”

She said: “It’s heartwarming to see so many people here. We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support this community has shown.

“The deputy mayor will continue to support the mayor’s chosen charities rather than his own. She fought so hard to be mayor.”

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She has been editorial director of the online and print titles in Surrey and north-east Hampshire since 2007. Marnie previously worked at the BBC as a producer for 5 Live, having moved to national radio from BBC Sussex and Surrey.